264 TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xiv. 



is probably the eleventh in rank of the Great Andes of the Equator. 

 Tradition says that it was in eruption some centuries ago, and it 

 is not unlikely that a crater lies buried beneath the glacier which 

 at present occupies the depression between its two peaks/ 



On the 25th of April we returned to Cotocachi. The lanes 

 were thronged by troops of Indians, hurrying forward with 

 unwonted alacrity to the village, where the streets and exits from 

 the Plaza were barricaded, to prevent the escape of tormented 

 cattle. Their eagerness was explained. What sweeter pastime 

 is there than baiting a bull ? When can it be more fitly practised 

 than upon a Sunday afternoon ? 



The elite of Cotocachi were engaged at the Priest's house in 

 perusing an account of the Ascent of Antisana, which had just 

 been published by General Veintemilla in the Official Gazette. 

 His Eeverence insisted that it must be read in public, and told 

 a satellite to inform the people that he had a communication to 

 make to them. The news spread as if by magic. The populace 

 followed us literally e7i ?nasse, streamed into the building where 

 the lecture was to be given until it was jammed tight with stand- 

 ing people, clambered on to the window-sills, and stood outside 

 in thousands, craning their necks forward to catch the words of 

 their Pastor ; who from a slightly elevated desk, after a little 

 introduction, read the whole of a very matter-of-fact relation, to 



^ There, was abundance of the lichen Stereocaulon iurgescens, Nyl., and of the 

 moss Grimmia ovata, Web. & Mohr, amongst the summit rocks. Examples of these 

 two genera were frequently seen closely against or surrounded by snow (15-16,600 

 feet), and it was not unusual to find them in such a position. Five species of Orimmia 

 were found at 16,000 feet and upwards, elsewhere. Upon the very highest point 

 of all there were two Grasses {Triseium Andinum, Benth., and a Deyeuxia which 

 is not yet determined), only one root of each, growing strongly ; two thousand feet 

 above the upper limit of their ordinary range, in the most exposed position that 

 could be selected, where during the greater part of the year temperature must be 

 much below the freezing-point and the soil be hard frozen ;— yet growing strongly, 

 evidently flourishing, and approaching maturity — the most remarkable instance of 

 this kind that has ever come under my notice. 



